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~ History ~
of the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves
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If you are interested in being a Civil War Reenactor information on how to join the 40th PA can be found on the Recruitment Page
The fallowing excerpt was taken from a book by Joseph Gibbs entitled “Three Years in the Bloody Eleventh”. This book is a great historical reference. Being one of the lesser known regiments it brings to life in full dramatic color a civil war regiments everyday life and battlefield exploits. By painstakingly putting together scattered information. I recommend this book to any history buff.
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Long before most of them had ever heard a shot fired in anger, the soldiers of the Union army’s Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves called their regiment the “Bloody Eleventh.” The moniker likely stemmed from bravado-a “bloodied” unit had seen action and earned a measure of battlefield glory-and like most recruits of 1861, the men were eager to get at and “whip” the Rebels. Regardless of how it emerged, the name was prophetic. Of the 1,244 Union Regiments raised during the civil war, the Eleventh Reserves suffered the eight highest percentage of men killed in battle. The unit carried 1,179 soldiers on it’s rolls during three years of service, and 196 of them [11 officers and 185 enlisted men] became combat fatalities 16.6 percent of it’s total. Not counting its many wounded, the Eleventh Reserves was one of those regiments that, William Fox observed in his 1889 study of Civil War casualties, could “fairly claim the honor of having encountered the hardest fighting in the war.” Factor in 1 officer and 112 enlisted men killed by disease, plus the fact that hundreds of its members spent time in Rebel prisons, and the unit’s tour of duty becomes even grimmer.
The companies comprising the Eleventh Reserve Regiment were recruited; and organized by county. Most of these companies were raised for the three months service, but failing of acceptance still preserved their organizations, and when the call for the Reserve Corps was issued, marched to the rendezvous at Camp Wright, near Pittsburgh. The men had little or no military experience save that gathered from militia training; but they were generally familiar with the use of the rifle, were native born, of a hardy race, above the medium size, and inured to labor on farms and in the lumber districts. Upon their entrance to camp they were mustered into the State service, and rigidly drilled by companies.
Western Pennsylvania counties that formed the 11th Reservers Regiment are as fallows Company A
Cambria Guards
Cambria County Company B
Indiana National Guards
Indiana County Company C
Dickson Guards
Butler County
(this is the Company that we portray}Company D
Connoquenessing Rangers
Butler County Company E
Washington Blues
Indiana County Company F
Union Volunteers
Fayette County Company G
Independent Blues
Armstrong County Company H
Westmoreland Guards
Westmoreland County Company I
Washington Blues
Westmoreland County Company K
Brady Guards
Jefferson County
Officers of the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves probably from early 1864
Why did they have two names?
When the army was divided into Corps the 11 Reserves were under General George Mead. This is the 5th corps badge
11th Reserves & 40th Pennsylvania Volunteers
When the call came for volunteers the Regiments alotted to Pennsylvania filled quickly. Instead of sending home the overflow of recruits, they were put into Reserve regiment's. The 11th Reserves being one of them. It wasn't until these reserve regiments were sworn into federal service that they took on the 40th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry name. However they where known by the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves Corps.
A Breakdown of how The Army of the Potomac was formed.
1 Corps = 3 Infantry Divisions and an Artillery Brigade
1 Division = 3 Brigades {13,200 to 19,800 officers and men}
1 Brigade = 4 to 6 Regiments {4,400 to 6,600 officers and men}
1 Regiment = 10 Companies {1,100 officers and men}
1 Company = 2 to 3 Platoons {100 to 150 officers and men}
1 Platoon = 5 Squads {1 officer & 50 men}
1 Squad = 1 Officer or NCO and 4 to 12 privates
These figures are not a hard and fast rule. By 1863 most regiment's had less then 600 men in them.
Medal of Honor recipients from the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves
CHARLES SHAMBAUGH
Corporal, Company D, 11th Pennsylvania Reserves.
Entered service at: Indiana County, Pa.
Birth: Prussia.
Date of Issue: 17 July 1866
Citation:
At Charles City Crossroads, Va., 30 June 1862, Captured of an enemy flag.
HOWARD, HENDERSON C.
Corporal, Company B, 11th Pennsylvania Reserves.
Place and Date: At Glendale, Va., 30 June 1862.
Entered Service At: Indiana, Pa.
Date of Issue: 30 March 1898.
Citation:
While pursuing one of the enemy's sharpshooters during an engagement at Glendale, Virginia, on June 30, 1862, Corporal Henderson Howard encountered two other enemy soldiers. Though outnumbered he fought fiercely and bayoneted both rebel soldiers in hand-to-hand encounters.
Below are most of the encounters that the regiment has seen action in.
- When mustered in, The Regiment spent time at Camp Write. {Camp Write was located on the Allegany River present day Oakmont PA North of Pittsburgh near the Holton Bridge.} This is where the boys had there first taste of military life. They came by train, horse and buggy or walked. Some were home sick never being more then 20 miles from home. But they were anticipating a great adventure.
- Great Falls ~ September 23, 1861
- Ordered to Great Falls, Maryland, sixteen miles above Washington, to picket the Potomac from a short distance below to a point six miles above. Here, in a part where the river is quite narrow and the banks precipitous and rocky, the men for the first time came face to face with the rebels. Much curiosity existed to get a view of the enemy, and it was not long before a friendly conversation was opened by the pickets from the rocks that lined either shore. A truce was agreed upon which was kept until a South Carolina regiment was placed on duty, when one of our pickets, going to the river to bathe, unsuspecting danger, was shot and severely wounded. This was the signal for hostilities, and company G was quickly placed in position and a lively skirmish ensued. In the meantime the rebels opened with a six gun battery, throwing over a hundred solid shots. The fire was rapid and well directed, the shots entering the buildings in which the men were quartered; but none were hurt.
- Dranesville ~ December 20, 1861
- The Second Brigade, supported by the Third, the Eleventh Regiment in advance, was ordered on a foraging expedition to Gunell's farm, near Dranesville, and captured two spies, with three of their associates, and brought in fifty-seven wagon loads of grain, seven horses, two oxen and one wagon. This trespass upon the enemy's territory brought on the battle of Dranesville. For when the Third Brigade, a few days later, went out for a similar purpose, it was met by the enemy prepared to contest the ground. In the engagement which ensued the Second Brigade was held in reserve, and marched to the support of the Third, but before it arrived upon the field, the victory had been won. The 11th Reserves has yet to fight in an all out battle.
- Mechanicsville ~ June 26, 1862
- At Beaver Creek Dam shortly after noon a battery under A.P.Hill opened fire upon our pickets, but without effect. At three o'clock P.M. the battle of Mechanicsville, which was principally fought by the First and Third Brigades of the Reserve Corps, had fairly opened, and was raging with great fury. The Cambria Guards (Company A) of the 11th Reserves was placed between the 9th PA Reserves and the 7th PA Reserves while the rest of the Eleventh was set up to the far left of the Union line in Picket formation.
- Little thinking was done once a battle began, as the deafening noise of musketry joined the adrenaline of fear in taking over the senses. The sound of impacting artillery rounds could rupture eardrums. A survivor of Mechanicsville recalled "The commands of officers at five paces distant, could not be heard." This was the first real taste of battle for the Eleventh Reserves. But far from the last.
Outcome of the Battle: Union Victory,
- Gaines Mill ~ June 27, 1862
- Company A The Cambria Guard were detailed to make axe handles while the rest of the regiment were sent into battle. Along side of the 4th New Jersey Regiment. The 11th Reserves fought bravely for over an hour before being surrounded by Confederate troops. Even then, surrounded and almost out of ammunition the boys of the Bloody 11th charged the confederate line trying to cut their way out. Some succeeded in escaping but hundreds were taken prisoner. It was in the dusk of the evening when the surrender was made, and though worn out with two days' of marching and fighting, the men were hurried to the rear of the enemy lines, and many of them, including Colonel Jackson, Adjutant M'Coy and Lieutenant Coder; were compelled to march on to Richmond without rest or food. Still some of the wounded were left on or near the battlefield for over three weeks with little or no medical attention.
Outcome of the Battle: Confederate Victory- June 28, 1862 -- arrived at four o'clock in the morning in Richmond and after being marched about the city for a spectacle to the inhabitants, who at this early hour were all out to behold the fruits of victory they were incarcerated in Libby prison.
- June 29, 1862 -- Colonel Gallagher, and the rest of the regiment who were able to travel, were brought in. A few days later the men were separated from the officers and transferred to Belle Isle, a sandy island in the James River, entirely devoid of shade trees or shelter to shield them from the burning sun. In Richmond "The Government" bore arbitrary sway and none dared question its authority or give aid or comfort to the captives. With insufficient clothing and unwholesome food this captivity was endured until August 5th
- Glendale ~ June 30, 1862
- Second Bull Run ~ August 28-30, 1862
- Late in the afternoon of August 29th the Eleventh, now forming a part of the Third Brigade; was moved forward under a galling fire of grape, and engaged the enemies infantry. Unable to carry the position, the troops were withdrawn, and as night had now come on laid down on their arms to rest. Their position, however, soon became very uncomfortable, for stragglers, better known in the army as the "Coffee Brigade," had kindled small fires to boil their much coveted beverage, by which the enemy discovered the regiment's bivouac and opened upon it with a long range battery, throwing solid shot with some effort.
August 30, 1862 -- In the morning the regiment was placed upon the skirmish line, though only armed with smooth-bore muskets. Fortunately it sustained little injury until withdrawal. At three o'clock P. M., the enemy made a heavy assault upon the position held by the Reserves. The Eleventh was quickly advanced to the top of a small ridge, in an open field, and was soon at close range with the enemy. Here the smoothbore guns were most serviceable, dealing deadly volleys upon the foe, the Fifth Texas, the two lines pressing close until the prostrate dead were indiscriminately mingled. At length the enemy having turned our flank, enfolded the line with such effect that the regiment was forced to retire. The loss was fourteen killed and forty-four wounded. Among the wounded were Captain Stewart, Adjutant M'Coy and Lieutenants Jones, Kennedy, Coder and Johnson.
- South Mountain ~ September 14, 1862
- The campaign in Maryland followed hard upon the defeat of Pope. The Reserves were now commanded by General Meade, and the regiment by Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, Colonel Gallagher having succeeded to the command of the Third Brigade. The enemy was first encountered strongly posted in the passes of South Mountain. The Reserves were drawn up to the right of the road leading to Turner's Gap, held by the corps of Hill and Longstreet. The Eleventh held the left center as the line advanced to the attack, and moved on up the steep acclivity of the mountain, receiving a deadly fire from the enemy securely posted behind trees and rocks. In the midst of the engagement Colonel Gallagher fell severely wounded. Colonel Jackson, with great personal bravery, held his regiment well in hand, cheered on his men and successfully reached that deadly height. In the progress of the ascent, when the battle was raging hottest and the victory was still doubtful, Corporal Koons, (afterwards killed at Fredericksburg,) who was possessed of great powers of mimicry, crowed lustily, like a cock uttering the note of triumph. The familiar sound, heard amid the pauses of the battle, so inspirited the men that they went forward with renewed zeal to assured victory. The loss was fifteen killed and twenty-eight wounded. Among the former were Captain Brady and Lieutenant Walter F. Jackson, and of the latter Colonel Gallagher, Captain Nesbit, who died from the effects of his wounds, Captain Bierer, Quartermaster Torrence and Lieutenant Kennedy.
- Antietam ~ September 16-18, 1862
- Although the regiment was reduced to a mere fragment of its original strength, having less than two hundred effective men, yet it moved promptly with the division to the field of Antietam and bore an important part in that sanguinary battle. The loss here was seven killed and seventeen wounded. After the battle the regiment went into camp, near Sharpsburg, in a condition of general destitution blanketless, shoeless, moneyless, and in tattered uniforms. While here, Governor Curtin made a strong effort to have the corps removed to the State, promising to send it back to the field in a short time recruited and re-organized, but without success.
- Fredericksburg ~ December 11-15, 1862
- December 11, 1862
- The division crosses and takes position near the Bernard House
December 13, 1862 - The division marched early in the day across an extended plain to a position near the railroad, and in front of the enemy's line of earth works. The Eleventh was posted in rear of the batteries, when a severe artillery duel ensued, in which many of the regiment were killed and terribly wounded. As soon as the cannonading ceased the order was given for the infantry to advance.
Broke the line of "Stonewall" Jackson's division but had to retreat for lack of support.
- Gettysburg ~ July 1-3, 1863
- ADDRESS OF BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL S. M. JACKSON
General Crawford read to us this late order of the commanding general and urged upon us the necessity of arousing our men to a full sense of their duty, to exert their every effort in the protection of their homes and firesides, since they were now on the soil of their native State. Colonel Fisher, our brigade commander, always anxious for an opportunity to make a speech, called out the brigade and gave us a most excellent and eloquent talk, which seemed to arouse the men very much at the time, but the long night march before reaching Gettysburg took much of the spasmodic patriotism out of the boys.
On the morning of July 1, 1863, we left our camp about 5 o'clock, and moved rapidly in the direction of Hanover which point we reached about 5 p.m. During the afternoon we heard heavy firing toward our left and thereby knew that General Reynolds had struck the enemy. Just before reaching Hanover we passed over the ground where Kilpatrick had defeated the Confederate cavalry the day before. The field showed all the marks of a well-contested battle, being strewn over with dead horses, broken caissons and sabers, and the accompanying debris of a battlefield.
On reaching Hanover town the head of the column turned square to the left and moved forward rapidly in the direction of Gettysburg. We all knew from this that the concentration of the army was to take place on General Reynolds' column, which we supposed at this time was in the neighborhood of Gettysburg. Darkness came on, yet no signs of a halt appeared; on the contrary, the word passed back along the line "keep well closed up and press forward."
The men became tired, footsore and cross; midnight passed, 1 o'clock passed, but they longed in vain for the order to halt. Many an exhausted soldier dropped out of the ranks, still the order "press forward." Finally after passing the village of McSherrystown, Pa., the head of the column turned into a meadow on our right and the weary men were directed to lay down and rest. Poor fellows, they had hardly touched the ground till they were fast asleep, the last sleep on earth for many of them.
We were called up just as the sun began to crimson the eastern sky and moved out in the direction of Gettysburg with the same old order, "press forward." As the head of my regiment filed out on the road. General Crawford, who had just mounted his horse, called me to him and informed me that General Reynolds had been killed in an engagement near Gettysburg the evening before. He told me not to let the men know it, saying it was a hard blow on the army and country just at this particular crisis.
After marching a few miles we were halted and the men were allowed to make coffee. We were then moved forward to the rear and east of Big Round Top where we were halted and ammunition issued to the men. The undisturbed quietness in our front was painful, for we all well knew that the giants were stripping for the contest, and that the movements for positions were now going on. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon a single gun was fired in the direction of and beyond Big Round Top; this was followed by the sharp rattle of musketry and the heavy booming of artillery. Very soon aides and orderlies began to gallop in all directions. One soon found his way to division headquarters when General Crawford and his staff quickly mounted and the order was passed along to fall in.
We moved in the rear and east of the Round Tops, filed to the left and crossed the ridge between Little Round Top and the Cemetery. We were then moved to the left and took position on the western slope of Little Round Top, massed in a battalion front with the Third Brigade leading. This formation placed my regiment in the rear of the brigade. We remained in this position but a short time when the firing became very heavy on our left and in the direction of Big Round Top, when a staff officer rode up and directed Colonel Fisher to move his brigade in that direction and aid Colonel Vincent's Brigade in holding that important position. In obedience to this order the brigade commenced filing out from the head of the column, first, the Twelfth Regiment, next the Fifth, and then the Tenth which unmasked the right of my regiment. While these movements were going on the battle in our front became terrific and very soon we could see that our troops were being driven back. At this moment, and just as I was about to move off to the left with my regiment. Major Speer of the division staff, rode up and said, "Colonel Jackson, General Crawford directs that you remain in position and hold this hill at all hazards."
In obedience to this order I faced my regiment to the front and moved forward to the position just vacated by the Twelfth Regiment, and ordered the men to lie down and withhold their fire until I would give the command. This very trying order was most heroically obeyed as we were wholly exposed to the galling fire of the enemy from the direction of Devil's Den, and quite a number of my officers and men were here killed and wounded. Our position gave us a complete view of much of the day's battlefield, including the wheatfield and part of the peach orchard beyond, together with the woods on the right and left of the wheatfield and the greater portion of Devil's Den, that stronghold so tenaciously held by the foe.
A discouraging, yet sublime view it was about 6 o'clock, that hot July afternoon. The enemy forcing back foot by foot the struggling heroes of the Third Corps and the First Division of the Fifth Corps, down through the wheatfield and the woods on the right and left of the wheatfield, while the artillery to our right and left were playing upon them with shot and shell. Still on they came, a seeming irresistible mass of living gray. The First Ohio Battery, commanded by a German captain, had gone into action on my left-front, and when it seemed that nothing could stop the onward progress of the enemy, this gallant officer became very much exercised over the safety of his guns and loudly announced that he would be compelled to limber to the rear to save his pieces from capture. I told him to double-shot his guns, hold his position, and we would see to their safety.
The boys along the line of the regiment hearing this colloquy between the German captain and myself, holloed out, "Stand by your guns, Dutchy, and we will stand by you." This seemed to put new confidence in the captain, who returned to his guns and served them most heroically, inflicting frightful execution upon the foe, as he poured the shot and shell into their very faces.
All this time my regiment remained quiet and motionless save in carrying back our killed and wounded. The men hugged the ground closely, which, by the help of a scrubby growth of pine which stood along the western slope of the hill, screened them pretty effectually from the enemy's view. The smoke by this time had literally filled the valley in our front, and it was almost impossible to even see the troops. It was a trying moment. We could with difficulty see a column commencing to ascend the slope, but could not tell whether it was our troops retreating, or the enemy advancing. Finally two men came up the hill and as they approached us, I inquired if the front was clear of our men. They replied, "Yes; those fellows (pointing to the line moving up the hill a few rods in our front are Johnnnies." I immediately gave the command to fire, which was obeyed with alacrity, and we poured a terrible volley into the very faces of the enemy. This evidently was a surprise, for they faltered in the onward march and began to collect in groups. Their galling fire, however, was kept up on our line, particularly from Devil's Den, and I soon realized the fact that the only way to hold the hill was to charge forward. Therefore, I gave the command to fix bayonets and charge. This order was obeyed with a will, and, with that familiar yell peculiar to the Pennsylvania Reserves, we I rushed upon the foe with a determination to either drive the invaders back or sacrifice ourselves on our native soil. Our fondest hopes were realized. The tide was turned, the enemy broke and fell back in much disorder.
As we neared the swamp or run, about midway between Little Round Top and the wheatfield, I noticed troops deploying to my right and left and observing the well-known Bucktails rushing up in the line with us on our left, I was assured that the regiments of the First Brigade which had been laying in rear of us on Little Round Top, had joined us in the charge. On nearing the wheatfield fence, General Crawford rode up to the rear of my line with hat in hand and complimented the regiment in the most extravagant terms, saying, "Colonel Jackson, you have saved the day, your regiment is worth its weight in gold; its weight in gold, sir." He directed me to establish my line at the edge of the wheatfield and have temporary works thrown up at once.
In locating my line, I discovered that the Bucktails and First regiments were on my left, and the Second and Sixth on my right. This formation placed my regiment in the center of the First Brigade, which position we occupied during the remaining days of the battle.
Just as darkness was closing around us, an officer rode up in rear of my line and asked "what command is this?" On telling him that it was the Pennsylvania Reserves, he replied that Pennsylvania would support us, that he was Colonel Collier of the One hundred and thirty-ninth Pennsylvania, and that his regiment was directly in our rear and would gladly take our place if needed. On looking back I beheld the mountain side and away toward Cemetery Ridge, literally covered with troops. The colonel said that was a division of the Sixth Corps, which had just arrived on the field. This was the first intimation I had that the Sixth Corps had got up, and it was comforting indeed to know that such a grand body of true and tried troops were on the ground. This fact in itself assured to us the victory.
The position taken at the wheatfield was held throughout the night and next day until after Pickett's repulse on Cemetery Ridge, when General Meade rode over to the left and directed Colonel McCandless to drive the enemy from the woods to the left of the wheatfield, which he did by moving his brigade in line to near the top of the hill in the wheatfield, when he ordered a left-half wheel and charged up through the woods at a double-quick, yelling lustily as we advanced. This forced the enemy to abandon their stronghold at Devil's Den, and as we reached the open ground extending out to and beyond the Emmitsburg road, we saw a large body of the enemy moving by flank at a double-quick, far off to our left, hastening to gain their forces in our front beyond the Emmitsburg road.
Here we remained through the night, and very early on the morning of the 4th a terrific rain storm set in which continued the greater portion of the day. Along in the afternoon the Sixth Corps was moved out to feel the enemy, but beyond a light skirmish line which they quickly dislodged they met no opposition. We were then moved back to near the wheatfield from whence we started the evening before, where rations and ammunition were issued to the men.
Thus ended the battle of Gettysburg. The foe was conquered and we stood victorious on the field. The record of which shall ever illumine the pages of American history, as the greatest battle, both in results and casualties in proportion to the troops engaged, ever fought on the American continent.
*The 11th Reserves has a large monument at the corner of Ayres Avenue and the Wheatfield Road. In Gettysburg Military National Park
If you would like to read the full Address and other's of the Regiment on this account click on this link
http://www.pabucktail.com/Reference/PA@Gburg/Pgs276-287.htm
- Culpepper Court House ~ October 12, 1863
- The enemy attempted to turn the right flank of Meade's army, at Culpepper Court House, the 11th repalsed Lee's army trying to gain the height's of Centreville.
- Bristoe Station ~ October 14, 1863
- the regiment is slightly engaged at Bristoe Station and shortly afterwards in a skirmish at Rappahannock Station.
- Mine Run ~ November 27-December 2, 1863
- The Wilderness ~ May 5-7, 1864
- At midnight of the 3rd the regiment marched to Germania Ford, and in advance of the army, crossed and encamped near the Lacy House. On the following morning, the division moved out by a country road through the Wilderness, with a view of the striking the Fredericksburg and Orange Court House plank road, near the old Verdiersville road; but before reaching the plank road a part of the division became engaged. The Eleventh was held in reserve with other regiments until three o'clock P. M., when, with the Second and Seventh, it was sent under Colonel M'Candless to the support of Wadsworth's Division, now hard pressed. The Reserve regiments being fresh troops were immediately sent to the front, and soon had passed Wadsworth's line as it fell back. Not being supported they were soon outflanked, and the Seventh Regiment captured; but by the coolness and daring of Colonel Jackson, the Eleventh succeeded, after several fruitless attempts, in cutting its way out and reaching the union lines; but not without serious loss. During the remaining two days in the Wilderness battle it was under fire and maintained its well earned reputation for gallantry on the hard fought field
- Spottsylvania Court House ~ May 23-26, 1864
- North Anna ~ May 23-26, 1864
- Bethesda Church ~
- May 30, 1864 With only a short time until their discharge the Bloody 11th stands tall and repulses three confederate attacks. Taking few casualties. While pouring the lead from thier smoothbore muskets into the enemy lines.
- Mustered out of Service June 13, 1864
- On a boat to Washington a man falls overboard and drowns.
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a note to the readers I am always updated information and this page is not yet complete
If i have made any mistakes please email me the corrections and I will make the changes. Thank You
Resoures for this page include the book "Three Years In The Bloody 11th" by Joseph Gibbs. Other Websites like www.pacivilwar.com and www.pa-roots.com/~pacw/ are great referances and should be checked out.
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